What a whirlwind! I'm just now getting my computer open and logged in long enough to tell you all about Spring Fest and what I've been up to in the studio!

I left good ol' Nashville on a Wednesday late in the morning with my van loaded down with camping gear, instruments, amps, cables, CD's and my favorite furry co-pilot, Ruby. I calculated my leaving to miss traffic in Atlanta. I was cruising along feeling pretty proud of myself until I crossed into Eastern Time and realized that I would drive through Atlanta right in the middle of rush hour. Regardless of my silly miscalculations I made it safe and sound to the beautiful banks of the Suwanee and the campground nestled in the live oak trees draped with Spanish moss!

I spent the next day, Thursday, rehearsing with Nikki and Jason, brushing up on the old tunes and learning some of the new ones of their brand spankin' album, Out From The Harbor. Friday we played an early evening set to the bustling Music Hall. The sound was perfect. The songs: captivating. The three part harmonies were soaring and Jason's guitar solos were on fire! If you haven't checked out Nikki Talley's music yet, do yourself a favor and do it now. (Click here, buy her album then come back and finish reading this, I'll wait).

The rest of the weekend was filled with great music from stage and campground alike. I got to see a lot of old Asheville buddies and play and drink and sing until the morning. Truly a wonderful way to ring in Spring!

I also got a new hat!

As if I couldn't have any more fun, I got home late Sunday night and jumped back into the studio on Monday. After three busy days last week Looney Bird is really starting to come to life! With every note, phrase, melody, each and every word and track everything is coming together! I finished up all my vocal, banjo and bass tracks. On top of that we layered on some spooky fiddle at the hands of Nate Lee. Jim Hurst added some beautifully mellow guitar to the album's only gospel song (written by Jon Weisberger and myself) and Preston Schmidt and Robert Trapp (Studio 31 West) did some pre-rough-mix-mixing! I really can't wait for you all to hear this album! Did I mention that yet? I can't wait for you all to hear this album!

Well, we've got a big day in the studio ahead of us tomorrow, so I best get back to it! Thanks for following along!

Thanks to each and every one of you who pre-ordered, shared and contributed to my KickStarter campaign! I'm so excited for you all to hear this album! Its going to be the best one yet! We spent a great couple days in the studio and cranked out a lot of songs. We're going to resume recording at the end of the month and hopefully have it all wrapped up by April! I really can't wait for you to hear this record! Here are some pictures from the process:

Photo credit: Kate Weeks

Preston Schmidt at the controls. Photo credit: Kate Weeks

The executive producer. Photo credit: Kate Weeks

Arrangements while you wait with Jim Hurst. Photo credit: Kate Weeks

After the first day at Studio 31 West. Photo credit: Kate Weeks

Jenni Lyn Gardner. Photo credit: Kate Weeks

David Grier. Photo credit: Kate Weeks

So many fantastic musicians are lending their skills to this project! So many more are going to walk through the studio door later this month. Everything is sounding so good and even the artwork is coming right along!

Artwork by LC Gibson

I'm too excited to even contain myself, so I'll leave you with these pictures and keep you updated all along the road to bringing Looney Bird into your lives!